Abdominal aortic tourniquet

ABSTRACT

An abdominal aortic tourniquet having one-piece member for the bladder and cover portions and whose bladder has a triangular cross-sectional shape when inflated that significantly increases the amount of point pressure such that the intended artery is properly occluded. The one-piece bladder/cover design provides for a reduction in cost of materials and provides for a more compact piece as compared to prior designs. The abdominal aortic tourniquet uses a single piece of weldable and gas impermeable fabric that is configured in a novel manner to create a three-dimensional, pneumatic piston while also serving as storage/transport cover, attachment structure, and major component of the belt member.

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/064,134, filed Oct. 26, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,351,737, issued May31, 2016, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/719,194, filed Oct. 26, 2012. Bothapplications are incorporated by reference in their entireties for allpurposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an abdominal aortic tourniquetwhich is an improvement over previous abdominal aortic tourniquets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A prior art design for an abdominal aortic tourniquet can be seen inpublished pending application Ser. No. 12/150,728 listed John Croushornas inventor (“the '728 Application”), the '728 Application isincorporated by reference in its entirety particularly for itsdiscussion on using an abdominal aortic tourniquet for occluding bloodflow. The prior art design is intended to occlude the descending aortaat the bifurcation into the left and right iliac arteries. The prior artdesign is a non-invasive device intended for cross-clamp of thedescending aorta. The primary use for the prior art design is for pelvicand lower extremity penetrating trauma is typically not treatable out inthe field with a conventional tourniquet application. In use of theprior art design, the device is buckled around the patient, the bladderis positioned over the umbilicus, the provided belt is tightened bypulling a strap and then a windlass and the bladder is inflated to theappropriate pressure.

In detail the prior art has provided a portable pneumatic aorticocclusion device that is comprised of the following components:

(1) A torso securing strap made of webbing (with or without hook & loopfasteners attached to the webbing). The webbing is attached to theCompression Latch and goes around the torso just above the iliac crest;

(2) A base plate made of injected molded plastic which is used toconnect the pressure application mechanism to the torso securing strapand to provide a stable platform for anchoring the directed bladder. Thebase plate contains an offset orifice which allows the pressure tubingto connect from the inflation mechanism to the bladder. A retention clipmay be used to retain the tubing if a hand drive pressure pump isutilized. A separate retention clip may be incorporated to retain a CO2cartridge on a CO2 cartridge variation. The underside of the base plateis lined with a foam padding that extends beyond the edges of the baseplate;

(3) A directed bladder on the underside of the base plate is aself-contained pneumatic bladder. A valve stem is incorporated in thebladder.

(4) A threaded CO2 Cartridge for the CO2 variation or a hand drivenpressure pump;

(5) A bladder sleeve to cover the bladder to protect it from exteriorpuncture or environmental exposure. The bladder sleeve may be physicallyattached to the bladder allowing it to be fully compressed when thebladder is empty of air;

(6) An optional pressure release valve to aid in securing the bladderpressure once inflated;

(7) A right angle elbow connector to connect the CO2 cartridge to thePresta Valve stem; and

(8) A three-part compression having a two hinged latch to provide finalcompression on the abdomen with the compression webbing.

When constructing the prior art design the latch is prepared separatelyor purchased already assembled prior to assembly of the device. Thetorso securing strap is prepared by cutting a 120 cm piece of 4 cm nylonwebbing. Hook and loop fasteners may or may not be attached to one sideof the webbing. The torso securing strap is attached at one end to thecompression latch (the terminal arm of the latch) by 4 rivets. The latchbase is fixed to the base plate with one piece of looped webbinganchored between the latch and the base plate by 4 rivets. This loop ofmaterial is what the buckle is fixed to. The base plate foam pad isplaced on the underside of the base plate (side toward patient). Thebladder is positioned under the base plate. The valve stem is passed upthrough the orifice prepared in the base plate and secured by a smallwasher and the stem nut. A bladder sleeve is positioned over the top ofthe bladder and attached to the underside of the base plate. With theCO2 variation, the elbow connector and threaded CO2 cartridge arepackaged with the pneumatic aortic compression system With manualinflator variation using a hand pump, the bulb pump to include thepressure valve and one way valve at the base of the pump is boughtcommercially or prepared separately. The tubing is permanently fixed tothe bladder. A pressure gauge for warning if the pressure is dropping inthe bladder or maximum pressure has been reached can be provided.

To use the prior art design the torso securing strap is fed around thepatient's body with the strap lying above the iliac crests. It is fedthrough both slots in the buckle. The base plate is positioned just leftof midline. The slack should be removed from the strap. The latch isclosed. The Presta valve is opened and the elbow connector applied tothe Presta valve stem. The CO2 threaded cartridge is attached to theelbow connector. The cartridge is screwed to its maximum depth topenetrate the cartridge. The cartridge is gently unscrewed to releaseair into the bladder. The flow of CO2 can be stopped by screwing thecartridge into the elbow connector. A pressure indicator may beincorporated on the device to warn if high pressure exists in thebladder or that the pressure is falling. Generally the bladder isinflated until he desired effect of cessation of bleeding occurs, or thedesired effect of preload return to the heart is achieved. If a manualbulb hand-pump can be utilized in place of the CO2 cartridge.

This prior art design requires a separate gas holding inner bladder andouter shell cover, and despite its objectives is also known to notprovide for sufficient point pressure required to occlude an artery. Thepresent invention provides for an improved abdominal aortic tourniquetwhich overcomes the problems of the prior art two-piece design andinsufficient amount of point pressure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for a novel bladder shape for anabdominal aortic tourniquet that provides for a significant improvementof prior art designs. The bladder shape of the prior art design issimilar to a pillow which does not provide for a correct point pressurerequired to occlude the artery. The substantially triangular ortriangular cross-section shape of the present invention bladder,corrects this problem in the art, and provides for the appropriateamount of point pressure which results in the occluding of the artery.

Certain non-limiting novel aspects of the present invention are itsimproved design and construction yielding a one-piece design (i.e. asopposed to a separate bladder and separate bag/cover) having a novelshape when inflated that significantly increases the amount of pointpressure such that the intended artery is properly occluded. Theone-piece design of the present invention provides for a reduction incost of materials and provides for a more compact piece as compared toprior designs.

Other non-limiting improvements of the present invention device over theprior designs include using a thumb wheel valve as opposed to the 3-waystopcock, using a preferred 200 denier weight material and the locationsof the buckles.

Thus, the present invention provides for a single piece of weldable andgas impermeable fabric that is configured in a novel manner to create athree-dimensional, pneumatic piston while also serving asstorage/transport cover, attachment structure, and major component ofthe belt member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a first embodiment for an abdominalaortic tourniquet in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the abdominal aortic tourniquetof FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a back side view of the abdominal aortic tourniquet of FIG. 1showing the belt ends connected with a non-limiting side release buckle;

FIG. 4 is a front side view of the abdominal aortic tourniquet of FIG.1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the one-piece bladder, pocket and wingsmember in accordance with the present invention shown in an open flatconfiguration;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the one-piece member of FIG. 5 showingthe bladder about to be inserted within the pocket;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the one-piece member of FIG. 5 showingthe bladder fully inserted and received by the pocket;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an internal plate for the abdominalaortic tourniquet of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a first alternative embodiment forthe abdominal aortic tourniquet in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a second alternative embodiment forthe abdominal aortic tourniquet in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a third alternative embodiment forthe abdominal aortic tourniquet in accordance with the presentinvention; and

FIG. 12 is a top view of a fourth alternative embodiment for theabdominal aortic tourniquet in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As seen in FIGS. 1 through 8, a first embodiment for an abdominal aortictourniquet is shown with tourniquet generally designated as referencenumber 20. As best seen in FIGS. 5-7, tourniquet 20 can comprise amonolithically formed one-piece member 32 having a first sealed section34 to form a bladder 36, a second section 38 forming a receiving pocket40 and a top section 42. Bladder 36 is formed from welding portions offirst sections 34 together though such is not considered limiting andother known methods for creating a sealed bladder can also be used andare considered within the scope of the invention. As seen in FIG. 5,when one-piece member 32 is in a flat or unfolded configuration, priorto assembly of tourniquet, second section 38 is positioned above firstsection 34 and top section 42 is above second section 38. As best seenin FIG. 6, one-piece member 32 is folded at a point between firstsection 34 and second section 38 such that first section 32, includingsealed bladder 36 is inserted within the receiving pocket 40 (See FIG.7). Thus, receiving pocket 40 acts as a cover for bladder 36, whileallowing for both a cover and a bladder to be one-piece and not separatepieces or parts.

For the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 9-11 of the present invention,one-piece member 32 can also be provided with a first wing 46 and asecond wing 48 protruding outwards from respective sides of top section42 (See FIG. 5). Wings 46 and 48 are preferably monolithically formedwith the other portions of one-piece member 32. In use, wings 46 and 48help to stabilize the one-piece member 32 when one-piece member issecured to the user as described below. Wings 46 and 48 help to preventone-piece member from rotating when bladder 36 is inflated during use oftourniquet 20 to occlude a desired artery of the user or anotherlocation on the user for other medical purposes.

One-piece member 32 is a one-piece member is a single piece of weldableand gas impermeable fabric and can be preferably constructed from anylon reinforced fabric polyurethane coated and radio frequency weldableor a polyurethane laminated nylon reinforced radio frequency weldablefabric, though such is not considered limiting and other materials whichprovide the desired characteristics and functions of the presentinvention can also be used and are considered within the scope of theinvention.

A plate 60 (FIG. 8) can secured to an internal surface of the topsection 42. In use, plate 60 aids in exerting force and pushing theinflated bladder 36 into the person for the intended blood flowoccluding. Plate 60 can be constructed from ABS or other similarmaterials though such is not considered limiting and other materialsthat will plate 60 to function properly can also be used and areconsidered within the scope of the invention. Plate 60 is preferablysecured to top section 42 by stitching, though such is not consideredlimiting and other securement techniques can be used and are consideredwithin the scope of the invention. Plate 60 can be provided with anopening or aperture 62 to permit an airline 74 of a manual inflator 70to pass through. Aperture 62 can be circular or substantially circularin shape though such is not considered limiting and other shapes foraperture 62 can be chosen. A corresponding aperture 44 (See FIG. 9) canbe provided in top section 42 for similar purposes as plate aperture 62.Top section aperture 44 can be similar in shape to plate aperture 62 orcan be of a different shape. When plate 60 is secured to an internalsurface (internal when assembled) of top section 42 plate aperture 62can be aligned or substantially aligned with the top section aperture44.

An inflation member is in communication with bladder 36 in order toinflate bladder 36. In a preferred embodiment, the inflation member canbe a manual inflator 70 comprising a hand pump or bulb 72 and gas or airline, hose, tube, etc. (collectively referred to as airline 74)connected at one end to hand pump 72 and at a second end to bladder 36by conventional means such as, but not limited to, valve/elbowmechanism. Hand pump 72 is used conventionally, such that squeezing handpump 72 repeatedly will result in bladder 36 being inflated. Otherconventional automatic and manual inflator mechanisms, such as CO2cartridges, etc. can also be used to inflate bladder 36 and are alsoconsidered within the scope of the invention.

A belt, webbing, strap, etc. (collectively referred to as “belt 90”) canbe secured to one-piece member 32, such as, by stitching 92 at topsection 42. Belt 90 is used for maintaining one-piece member 32 on auser after one piece member 32 has been positioned at the desired pointon the user and continues to maintain the position of one-piece member32 with respect to the user also after bladder 36 is properly inflatedby the inflation member. Belt 90 can include a first belt portion 92 anda second belt portion 94. A conventional belt attachment mechanism canbe provided for securing first belt portion 92 to second belt portion94. In one non limiting embodiment, the attachment mechanism can be aside release buckle 96. Other buckle types, snaps, button/buttonholes,hook and loop fasteners, etc. can also be used to connect first beltportion 92 to second belt portion 94 and are also considered within thescope of the invention. Side release buckle includes a male portion 98preferably associated with second belt portion 94 and a mating femaleportion 100 preferably associated with first belt portion 92. It is alsowithin the scope of the invention to associate female portion 100 withsecond belt portion 94 and associate male portion 98 with first beltportion 92. Preferably, the length of belt 90 is adjustable and bypreferably providing a belt length adjustable member with female portion100. Alternatively, the belt length adjustable member can be providedwith male portion 98 or both male portion 98 and female portion 100 canbe provided with belt length adjustable members. All configurations areconsidered within the scope of the invention. Where the adjustablemember is provided with female portion 100 only, once one-piece member32 is positioned at its desired location on the user, the belt portions92 and 94 are connected to each other by mating male portion 98 withfemale portion 100, second belt portion is pulled to tighten thesecurement of one-piece member 32 to the user.

To increase the tightness of the securement of one-piece member 32 tothe user, a tightening mechanism can be provided. In one non-limitingembodiment, a windlass mechanism 110 is provided for such purposes.Windlass mechanism can include a handle 112, a handle strap 114 securedto handle 112, a first belt connecting strap 116 secured at one end toan end of first belt portion 92 and at a second end to handle strap 114,and a second belt connecting strap 118 secured at one end to an end ofsecond belt portion 94 and at a second end to handle strap 116.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 can include an external plate 140, whichcan be constructed from a carbon fiber, ABS or other conventionalmaterials, secured to an external surface of top section 42, such as bystitching or other conventional attachment methods. Plate 140 can beprovided with an aperture 142 which is aligned or substantially alignedwith apertures 44 and apertures 62 to permit airline 72 to pass through.Plate 140 also help or aids in maintaining the proper position of firstbelt portion 92 and second belt portion 94 along top section 42 ofone-piece member 32. Similarly for further position maintenance of beltportions 92 and 94, external side plates 150 and 152 can be secured towing members 46 and 48, respectively, by conventional means such as, butnot limited to, stitching, etc. Belt passageways are defined betweenwings members 46 and 48 and plates 150 and 152 for feeding belt portions92 and 94 therethrough, respectively. Belt portions are maintained inposition within the belt passageways but are movable for purposes oftightening. Side plates 150 and 152 can be constructed from the samematerial as external plate or from other conventional materials.

Windlass mechanism 110 can also include a handle holder 120 consistingof a strap 122 having a first portion 124, a second portion 126, a firstfemale snap member 128 attached to first portion 124 and a mating secondmale snap member 130 attached to second portion 126. Other mechanism,such as, but not limited to, button/buttonholes, hook and loopfasteners, etc. can also be used in lieu of snap member 128 and 130 andare also considered within the scope of the invention. Additionally,male snap member 130 can be provided with first portion 124 and secondsnap member 128 can be provided with second portion 126 and suchconfiguration is also within the scope of the invention. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 1, handle holder is secured to external plate,by permanently attaching second portion 126 to external plate, bystitching, sewing or other conventional means. First portion 124 ismovable and can be folded to allow female portion 128 to mate with maleportion 130 to form a handle insertion loop.

The side of first portion 124 not associated with female portion 128 canbe provided with a non-permanent attachment member, such as, but notlimited to, a first portion of a hook and loop fastener and a secondmating hook and loop fastener can be secured to external plate 140 byconventional means, such as glues, adhesives, tapes, etc. Thus, prior toneeding to use handle holder 120 first portion 124 can be held in placeand not hanging by the mating of the hook and loop fasteners.

Where external plate 140 is not provided, such as, but not limited to,in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, windlass mechanism 110 canbe associated directly with top section 42.

In use, with one-piece member 32 secured to the user by belt 90 andsecond belt portion 94 pulled to tighten the securement, windlass handle112 is then turned/twisted which causes belt connection straps 116 and118 to pull respective belt portions 92 and 94 inward to further tightenthe connection of one-piece member 32 to the user. In order to maintainbelt portions 92 and 94 in their inward position, one end of windlasshandle 112 is inserted within the loop creating by mating snap portions128 and 130 to maintain the handle in its current twisted position.

At this point, bladder 36 is ready for inflating by the inflationmember. As best seen in FIG. 2, bladder 36 has a substantiallytriangular cross-sectional shape when properly inflated by the inflationmember to emphasize a pressure point for occluding the desired artery,blood vessel, etc. (i.e. abdominal aortic artery, etc.). As seen in FIG.5, in a flat configuration prior to assembly, first section 32 can besubstantially shaped as an upper square or rectangle portion 33 having asealed top edge 35 and a lower triangle portion 37. Upper square orrectangle portion 33 and lower triangle portion 37 are in communicationwith each other and together, where welded, defined bladder 36. Secondsection 38 is provided with an open bottom end 39 which forms theopening of receiving pocket 40. A first side 41 of second section 38 cantaper outward from a one side of bottom end 39 and a second side 43 ofsecond section can taper outward from a second side of bottom end 39. Atop end 45 of second section 38 can also be open.

Once tourniquet 20 is assembled, originally open bottom end 39 can beclosed or sealed by conventional means such as sewing or welding (thoughnot considered limiting) to help retain bladder 36 within receivingpocket 40. Alternatively, bottom end 39 can remain open and bladder 36can remain within pocket 40 by its position with respect to the userand/or its inflation causing it to expand within pocket 40. In view ofhow bladder is welded, when bladder 36 is inflated by the inflationmember lower triangle portion 37 flattens out and contacts internallylocated plate 60 and sealed top edge 35 of upper square or rectangleportion 33 becomes the tip or point 31 of a substantially triangular ortriangular cross-sectional shaped bladder 36 and with bladder 36enclosed within second section 38 of one-piece member 32. The pointwhere wing members 46 and 48 and second section 38 meet can also be keptopen at the top of second section 38 or can be closed by conventionalmeans. Bladder 36 can be provided with any overpressure and/or reliefvalve, if desired.

The various folds/welding/sewing for one-piece member 32 and the stepsfor constructing the present invention tourniquet are detailed in ourProvisional Patent Application Ser. No. Ser. No. 61/719,194, filed Oct.26, 2012, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. The shapeof present invention bladder 36 addresses problems with prior designs,and provides for the appropriate amount of point pressure which resultsin the occluding of the artery.

Certain non-limiting novel aspects of the tourniquet 20, as well as thealternative embodiments discussed below, include, but are not limitedto, its improved design and construction yielding a one-piece design(i.e. as opposed to a separate bladder and separate bag/cover of priordesigns) having a novel bladder shape when inflated that significantlyincreases the amount of point pressure such that the intended artery isoccluded.

The novel construction method (incorporating welding and sewingtechniques) used to construct the tourniquets described herein reducesthe cost of materials and provides for a more compact piece. Othernon-limiting improvements found in the described tourniquets of thepresent invention over prior designs include using a thumb wheel valveas opposed to the 3-way stopcock, using a preferred 200 denier weightmaterial and the locations of the buckles.

Thus, the tourniquets of the present invention provides for a singlepiece of weldable and gas impermeable fabric 32 that is configured in anovel manner to create a three-dimensional, pneumatic piston while alsoserving as storage/transport cover, attachment structure, and majorcomponent of the belt member. By providing a single-piece member 32, thepresent invention reduces material, labor, storage and shipping costs ascompared to the prior art design.

FIG. 9 illustrates a second embodiment for an abdominal aortictourniquet of the present invention and is generally illustrated asreference numeral 220. In this embodiment, plates 60, 150 and 152 havebeen eliminated and fabric sleeves 222 and 224 are secured to wings 46and 48, respectively, to serve as the belt portion position maintainers.Sleeves 222 and 224 are preferably sewn to wings 46 and 48. However, anyconventional methods for securing can be used and are considered withinthe scope of the invention. Similar fabric loops 232 and 234 areprovided for maintaining the position of belt portions 92 and 94 thatwere maintained by plate 60 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. Fabricloops 232 and 234 can also be preferably sewn to top section 42, thoughother conventional securement methods can also be used and areconsidered within the scope of the invention. The operation oftourniquet 220 and the remaining parts of tourniquet 220 are similar tothose described above for the tourniquet embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 illustrates a third embodiment for an abdominal aortictourniquet of the present invention and is generally illustrated asreference numeral 320. In this embodiment, plates 150 and 152 have beeneliminated and one or more fabric loops 322 are secured to wings 46 and48 to serve as the belt portion position maintainers. Loops 322 arepreferably sewn to wings 46 and 48. However, any conventional methodsfor securing can be used and are considered within the scope of theinvention. The operation of tourniquet 320 and the remaining parts oftourniquet 320 are similar to those described above for the tourniquetembodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 illustrates a fourth embodiment for an abdominal aortictourniquet of the present invention and is generally illustrated asreference numeral 420. In this embodiment, plates 60, 150 and 152 havebeen eliminated. In this embodiment, the thickness of wings 46 and 48 atleast at their outer ends is increase such that a belt receiving slotcan be provide at the outer ends of wings 46 and 48. Additionally, beltreceiving slot 422 and 424 are also provided in top section 42. Beltportion 92 is maintained in position by being threaded through topsection slot 422 and then through end slot of wing 46 and belt portion94 is maintained in position by being threaded through top section slot424 and then through end slot of wing 48. The operation of tourniquet220 and the remaining parts of tourniquet 220 are similar to thosedescribed above for the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 illustrates a fifth embodiment for an abdominal aortictourniquet of the present invention and is generally illustrated asreference numeral 520. In this embodiment, plates 60, 150 and 152 havebeen eliminated, as well wings 46 and 48. In this embodiment, two belts522 and 532 are provided, with belt 522 at a one end of top section 42of one-piece member 32 and belt 532 at an opposite end of top section42. The location of the two belts provides for the stabilization ofone-piece member 32 when bladder 36 is inflated and therefore wings 46and 48 can be removed (though it is also within the scope of theinvention to include wings for this embodiment as well). Belt 522 caninclude a first belt portion 524 and a second belt portion 526. Aportion of second belt portion 526 can be secured to top section 42 byconventional means, such as, but not limited to, stitching. Belt 532 caninclude a first belt portion 534 and a second belt portion 536. Aportion of second belt portion 536 can be secured to top section byconventional means, such as, but not limited to, stitching. Beltportions 524 and 526 and belt portions 534 and 536 will both be providedwith similar belt connectors (i.e. side release buckle, etc.) asdescribed above for the tourniquet embodiment shown in FIG. 1. A singlewindlass mechanism 550 can be provided for tightening both belts 522 and532 at the same time, through the use of additional connecting straps552 and cross straps 554. Windlass 550 operates similar to the windlassmechanism described for the tourniquet embodiment shown in FIG. 1. Awindlass handle holder, similar to strap 122, can be secured to one orboth of the cross straps 554 for holding windlass handle 556 in itstwisted position during use. The operation of tourniquet 520 and theremaining parts of tourniquet 520 are similar to those described abovefor the embodiment of FIG. 1.

It is also within the scope of the invention to configure furtherembodiments for maintaining the belt portion positions using variouscombinations of external plates, fabric sleeves, fabric loops, wingconstructions and/or slots and all configurations are also within thescope of the invention.

Additional features that can be used with the present invention includeproviding a protective armor covering through use of body armor materialstitched or otherwise secured directly or indirectly to the bladder.Another non-limiting feature can comprise, an initially separate outersleeve of body armor material that is then finally RF welded in an outerlayer of “BC” material and has a vacuum port that allows the device tobe highly compressed by pulling a vacuum at final assembly and/orinspection, then sealing off. This non-limiting feature can be achievedby a check valve that can slide into an elbow tube like member in theRES, only installed in reverse. With this feature the present inventiondevice can be submerged in water and still remain armored (body armor isrendered non-compliant once wetted), and while also protecting the vitalpump and pneumatic parts from water/debris intrusion. The outer layer ofBC material can be sealed closed on a small bar welder after the entiredevice is signed off and inserted into a “waterproof to 300-meters”ballistic protective sleeve. A “cut here line” or similar language canbe provided on the sleeve to instruct the user where to open.

When positioned at a different location on the user, the tourniquetembodiments of the present can also be used as part of a Micro-CPRsimulator device. Thus, the various above-described present inventiontourniquets used for occluding abdominal aortic arteries can beconverted into a manual or automatic CPR device by attaching anelectro-mechanical pump with inflate-deflate valve/timing system or apneumatic pump from local air source or portable compressed gas cylinderor pneumatic foot pump. Other pumping sources can also be used and areconsidered within the scope of the invention. Also, as an alternative toelectric timing device controls inflate/deflate valve control sequencingcan be to place a large bore OPV in-line with the pump that has a presetminimum time to reset after opening. This delay in reset of the valvecan be designed to allow for sufficient deflation of the tourniquetprior to the subsequent re-inflation (next compression). A foot pump orhand pump similar to those used for inflatable boats can be used forthis purpose.

All measurements, amounts, sizes, shapes, percentages, configurations,securement or attachment mechanisms, stitch or weld locations,dimensions, sealing members, numbers, ranges, part locations, values,percentages, materials, orientations, methods of manufacture, tighteningmechanisms, etc. discussed above or shown in the drawing figures aremerely by way of example and are not considered limiting and othermeasurements, amounts, sizes, shapes, percentages, configurations,securement or attachment mechanisms, stitch or weld locations,dimensions, sealing members, numbers, ranges, part locations, values,percentages, materials, orientations, methods of manufacture, tighteningmechanisms, etc. can be chosen and used and all are considered withinthe scope of the invention.

Furthermore, one or more features, components, parts or characteristicsdiscussed for one embodiment of the present invention can also be usedwith another of the above discussed embodiments of the presentinvention.

Dimensions of certain parts as shown in the drawings may have beenmodified and/or exaggerated for the purpose of clarity of illustrationand are not considered limiting.

Unless feature(s), part(s), component(s), characteristic(s) orfunction(s) described in the specification or shown in the drawings fora claim element, claim step or claim term specifically appear in theclaim with the claim element, claim step or claim term, then theinventor does not considered such feature(s), part(s), component(s),characteristic(s) or function(s) to be included for the claim element,claim step or claim term in the claim for examination purposes and whenand if the claim element, claim step or claim term is interpreted orconstrued. Similarly, with respect to any “means for” elements in theclaims, the inventor considers such language to require only the minimalamount of features, components, steps, or parts from the specificationto achieve the function of the “means for” language and not all of thefeatures, components, steps or parts describe in the specification thatare related to the function of the “means for” language.

While the invention has been described and disclosed in certain termsand has disclosed certain embodiments or modifications, persons skilledin the art who have acquainted themselves with the invention, willappreciate that it is not necessarily limited by such terms, nor to thespecific embodiments and modification disclosed herein. Thus, a widevariety of alternatives, suggested by the teachings herein, can bepracticed without departing from the spirit of the invention, and rightsto such alternatives are particularly reserved and considered within thescope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An abdominal aortic tourniquet, comprising: aone-piece member having a first sealed section to form a bladder, asecond section forming a receiving pocket and a top section, said secondsection above said first sealed section and said top section above saidsecond section when said one-piece member is in a flat unfoldedconfiguration prior to assembly, said one-piece member folded betweensaid first sealed section and said second section such that said firstsealed section is inserted within the receiving pocket; a first platesecured to an internal surface of said top section; an inflation memberin communication with said bladder; and a belt secured to said one-piecemember adapted for maintaining the one-piece member on a user when saidbladder is properly inflated by said inflation member.
 2. The abdominalaortic tourniquet of claim 1 wherein said bladder having a substantiallytriangular cross-sectional shape when properly inflated.
 3. Theabdominal aortic tourniquet of claim 1 wherein said one-piece memberfurther having a first wing section extending from a first side of saidtop section and a second wing section extending from a second side ofsaid top section.
 4. The abdominal aortic tourniquet of claim 1 furthercomprising a windlass mechanism in communication with said belt, saidwindlass adapted for tightening the belt with respect to the user priorto inflating said bladder with said inflation member.
 5. The abdominalaortic tourniquet of claim 1 wherein said inflation member is a manualair pump having a hand squeezable bulb and airline, said airline havinga first end attached to said hand squeezable bulb and a second end incommunication with said bladder.
 6. The abdominal aortic tourniquet ofclaim 5 wherein said top section having an opening and said plate havingan opening, said top section opening aligned with said plate openingwhen said plate is secured to said top section, wherein said airline isinserted through said top section opening and said plate opening.
 7. Theabdominal aortic tourniquet of claim 1 wherein said one-piece member isa single piece of weldable and gas impermeable fabric.
 8. The abdominalaortic tourniquet of claim 1 wherein in a flat configuration prior toassembly said first section substantially shaped as an upper square orrectangle portion having a sealed top edge and a lower triangle portion,said upper square or rectangle portion and said lower triangle portionin communication with each other.
 9. The abdominal aortic tourniquet ofclaim 8 wherein in a flat configuration prior to assembly said secondsection shaped to have an open bottom end, a first side tapering outwardfrom a first side of said bottom end, a second side tapering outwardfrom a second side of said bottom end and an open top end.
 10. Theabdominal aortic tourniquet of claim 9 wherein in an assembledconfiguration said first section is received within said second sectionand said second section is closed to enclosed said first section. 11.The abdominal aortic tourniquet of claim 10 wherein said bladder iswelded such that when in an assembled configuration and when saidbladder is inflated said lower triangle portion flattens out andcontacts said plate and said sealed top edge of said upper square orrectangle portion becomes the tip or point of a substantially triangularcross-sectional shape prism shaped bladder enclosed within the secondsection of the one-piece member.
 12. An abdominal aortic tourniquet,comprising: a monolithically formed one-piece member having a firstsealed section to form a bladder, a second section forming a receivingpocket and a top section, said second section above said first sealedsection and said top section above said second section when saidone-piece member is in a flat unfolded configuration prior to assembly,said one-piece member folded between said first sealed section and saidsecond section such that said first sealed section is inserted withinthe receiving pocket; a first plate secured to an internal surface ofsaid top section; an inflation member in communication with saidbladder; and a belt secured to said one-piece member adapted formaintaining the one-piece member on a user when said bladder is properlyinflated by said inflation member; and a windlass mechanism incommunication with said belt, said windlass adapted for tightening thebelt with respect to the user prior to inflating said bladder with saidinflation member; wherein said bladder having a substantially triangularcross-sectional shape when properly inflated by said inflation member.13. The abdominal aortic tourniquet of claim 12 wherein said one-piecemember further having a first wing section extending from a first sideof said top section and a second wing section extending from a secondside of said top section.
 14. The abdominal aortic tourniquet of claim 1wherein said inflation member is a manual air pump having a handsqueezable bulb and airline, said airline having a first end attached tosaid hand squeezable bulb and a second end in communication with saidbladder; wherein said top section having an opening and said platehaving an opening, said top section opening aligned with said plateopening when said plate is secured to said top section, wherein saidairline is inserted through said top section opening and said plateopening.
 15. The abdominal aortic tourniquet of claim 12 wherein saidone-piece member is a single piece of weldable and gas impermeablefabric.
 16. The abdominal aortic tourniquet of claim 12 wherein in aflat configuration prior to assembly said first section substantiallyshaped as an upper square or rectangle portion having a sealed top edgeand a lower triangle portion, said upper square or rectangle portion andsaid lower triangle portion in communication with each other; wherein ina flat configuration prior to assembly said second section shaped tohave an open bottom end, a first side tapering outward from a first sideof said bottom end, a second side tapering outward from a second side ofsaid bottom end and an open top end.
 17. The abdominal aortic tourniquetof claim 16 wherein in an assembled configuration said first section isreceived within said second section and said second section is closed toenclosed said first section.
 18. The abdominal aortic tourniquet ofclaim 10 wherein said bladder is welded such that when in an assembledconfiguration and when said bladder is inflated said lower triangleportion flattens out and contacts said plate and said sealed top edge ofsaid upper square or rectangle portion becomes the tip or point of asubstantially triangular cross-sectional shape prism shaped bladderenclosed within the second section of the one-piece member.
 19. A methodfor positioning a tourniquet on a user, said method comprising the stepsof: (a) positioning a one-piece member against a desired point on aperson's body, said one-piece member having a sealed bladder, areceiving pocket and a top section and with said one-piece member foldedbetween said bladder and said receiving pocket such that said bladder isdisposed within said receiving pocket; (b) securing a first end of abelt to a second end of the belt to maintain the one-piece member inposition with respect to the person, said belt secured to the one-piecemember; and (c) inflating the bladder with a inflation member to asubstantially triangle cross-sectional shape, wherein a plate membersecured internally to the one-piece member contacts the bladder andhelps to push pointed end of the inflated bladder into the person's bodyat the desired point.
 20. The method for positioning a tourniquet on auser of claim 19 further comprising the step of tightening the belt witha windlass mechanism to tightened the securement of the one-piece memberto the person's body.